A MIG-21 fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force or IAF today crashed in Bijbehara area of Anantnag district in Kashmir, killing the pilot.
The MIG-21, which was on a routine exercise, crashed in an open field at Mirhama in Bijbehara area, 45 kms from Srinagar, defence sources said.
The pilot, Raghu Bansi, was killed in the crash, they said.
The MIG-21 had taken off from Technical Airport in Srinagar today morning, sources said.
The cause of the crash was not immediately known. A team of IAF officials have rushed to the spot.
While speaking about the incident, Defence Minister Arun Jaitley said he was “sorry” and that it was “a matter of grave concern”.
“My heart goes out to the pilot who lost his life,” he said.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah tweeted, “My condolences to the family, friends & colleagues of the pilot killed in the MIG crash. May his soul rest in peace.”
